SHOT16: Fabryka Broni-RADOM MSBS Carbine

Here in the United States, Poland-based Fabryka Broni “Lucznik” Radom (let's just call them ‘FB' from this point on) is best known for their Beryl “Archer” carbines. However, that isn't all that they're churning out.

A couple days ago at SHOT Show Media Range Day I got my paws on something a bit different than I was expecting from this Eastern European Arms company: the MSBS. Though it's been in development for a couple years and I've seen pictures of it, today was my first opportunity to get hands on and actually shoot it.

On first glance you may just write it off as yet-another-uber-5.56-carbine. But there are some features that show a more mature design. One could argue that FB makes one of the best examples of a Kalashnikov rifle, and they've been doing so for a long time, so they deserve some benefit of doubt.

Alright, admittedly the very forward mounted old model EOtech doesn't inspire confidence. And yes, it does look quite a bit like the ACR (which can either be a positive or a negative, depending on your view of that particular carbine).

The MSBS is a piston operated 5.56 carbine that eats from STANAG magazines. It sports an adjustable gas system, a quick change barrel, and ambidextrous controls. The lower is polymer (previous attempts at lightweight allow lowers have been abandoned) and the upper receiver is aluminum.
The charging handle does not reciprocate during operation. The top rail is continuous.

The bolt can be locked and released with the trigger finger rather easily.

Controls are mirrored on both sides. Also, the MSBS can be configured for either left or right side ejection.

The folding stock features an integral, adjustable cheek piece. Both height and cheek piece angle can be adjusted. Also noteworthy that the MSBS lower receiver is compatible with AR-15 style pistol grips. The MSBS features several QD points.

So how does it shoot? One FB representative assured me that it would be the lightest recoiling 5.56 carbine on the market. While I cannot agree with his statement, the recoil impulse is certainly different than a standard AR-15. When the bolt locked back on empty I did not automatically feel it happening, but then again it took a few mags with the FN SCAR before I began to feel that difference in the recoil impulse.

Will we ever see it? That's always the question it seems with these foreign uber-rifles. FB has setup a subsidiary in Texas. I'm told at some point said subsidiary will begin manufacturing American parts for the MSBS. That will be an important first step for importation for civilian sales due to 922r compliance (here's a good read on 922r for those unacquainted). As to what you could expect to pay if it hits American shores, I'm told it would be “competitive with similar carbines”. So I'd expect ~$2,500 MSRP to start.

In the meantime, you can visit FB online here.

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What is the NSSF SHOT Show?

The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.

Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc.

View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here.

2016 SHOT Show

January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas)
January 19–22, 2016
Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours:
Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.